Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care and Education
EC13
Program Purpose: The Early Childhood Care and Education associate of applied science degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application, as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science degree and have the qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and elementary school paraprofessional positions. Graduates will receive a specialization in one of four areas: Exceptionalities, Infant/ Toddler, Program Administration or Paraprofessional.
Degree Requirements
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE
Required Minimum: 18 Semester Credit Hours
General Education Core Area I: Language Arts/Communication - 3 Credit Hours
Successful completion of ENGL 1101 Composition and Rhetoric is required
Choose one additional course from the following: - 3 Credit Hours
General Education Core Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Credit Hours
(Choose One of the Following)
General Education Core Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics - 3 Credit Hours
(Choose One of the Following)
General Education Core Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts - 3 Credit Hours
(Choose One of the Following)
General Education Core Additional Requirements - 3 Credit Hours
To meet the minimum required 18 semester credit hours in General Core courses an additional 3 semester credit hours must be selected from a course in Area I, Area II, Area III, or Area IV. Science courses in BIOL, CHEM, and PHYS may also satisfy this requirement.
Occupational Courses
Complete One of the Following Specializations:
Paraprofessional Specialization
| ECCE 2310 | Paraprofessional Methods and Materials | 3 |
| ECCE 2312 | Paraprofessional Roles and Practices | 3 |
Program Administration Specialization
Infant/Toddler Development Specialization
Exceptionalities Specialization
| ECCE 2360 | Classroom Strategies for Exceptional Children | 3 |
| ECCE 2362 | Exploring Your Role in the Exceptional Environment | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 72
Criminal record check required for the following classes:
ECCE 1112,
ECCE 1121,
ECCE 2240, and
ECCE 2362